Unbelievably, it’s been almost nine years since the release of Myrkgrav’s full-length album Trollskau, skrømt og kølabrenning and even after all this time, it still sounds as fresh as it did when it was first released at the tail end of 2006.
As a whole, this is a very adventurous and ambient piece, and you can’t help but feel immersed in the music. Second track Fela etter’n far is a good example of this. The gentle keyboard line is stunning, especially when it’s contrasted with guitars immediately afterwards playing the same line, and the harsh vocals are passionately delivered with a lot of body and emotion behind them. Another fantastic track worth a closer glimpse is the more melodic piece Mellomspell. Although largely serving as a joining track between two ‘full’ songs, it’s a quietly stunning number and despite it’s simplicity, it really leaves a mark on you and the softness of the song juxtaposes it well against the heavier pieces on either side of it.
It’s incredible to think that this is the sole work of one person – Trollskau, skrømt og kølabrenning really does sound like a band as a collective has written and recorded this, and that’s surely the sign of a well-constructed album. Great stuff!
8.5/10
